'80s Shoe Styles: Thrift Shoppers Are Finding The Cutest Ballerina Flats

The classic ballerina flat was a hallmark of '80s fashion. Popularized by fashion icons at the time, like the late Princess Diana, the ballet flat was a chic way to style an off-duty look. These timeless shoes are comfy and go with everything; so it makes perfect sense that even in the neon dazzle of the '80s, women still gravitated towards this stylish footwear. While flats have evolved through the decades and the way we wear them has changed, they remain a sartorial staple. 

Now, with '80s fashion elements making a comeback, the classic ballet flat is dearer than ever. Better yet, so many '80s shoe styles look effortless with any jeans, proving that the comfortable shoes and denim combo will always come back into style. So bargain hunters who love a thrift store find are scoring the best ballet flats at sensible prices. From vintage pieces to Y2K-infused styles, these pumps are as stylish as they are affordable, and avid thrift store shoppers are sharing their finds on social media, inspiring fans to get out there and source the eternally-loved shoe. 

The metallic trend, particularly in gold and silver, was huge in the '80s. It suited the larger-than-life attitude of the decade. And while metallics are flashy, a classic pair of gold ballet flats are actually surprisingly versatile. Plus, metallic shoes are a great way to spice up a cold weather outfit, so these work well in the fall and winter. On your next thrift store trip, keep an eye out for a pair of classic ballet flats in a metallic tone; it adds a jolt of spice without breaking the bank. 

One lucky thrifter found not one but two pairs of Manolo Blahnik flats. The thrift gods were with her that day. In the video shared to Instagram, she added the caption, "are these my bridal flats??" The first pair she found was a classic brown ballet flat, while the others were butter yellow pointed toe ballet flats with geometric cut-outs. And, proof that thrifting is magic, the shoes were priced at $7.99 a pair. Thrifted ballet flats don't always have to be used on off-duty looks — these ones will make great bridal footwear. 

There's nothing like a ballet flat haul from the thrift store to set your wardrobe up for success. Lucky thrifter Lara shared her bounty of neutral flats in a video on Instagram, showcasing a camel-toned pair of Dorothy Perkins shoes. As a shopper in the U.K., she noted that she paid £1.25 for the sensational shoes, which is equivalent to about $1.67. She styled her winning find with black jeans and a black tank top, proving that nothing could be easier than mixing and matching neutral ballet pumps.

Animal print, like the classic ballet flat, never goes out of style, and so to find these two concepts combined is an undeniable thrift store home run. One shrewd shopper nabbed a pair of leopard print Tory Burch shoes with the iconic Tory Burch gold hardware on the toe. The classic Reva flats were first released in 2006 and became a staple of mid-2000s fashion. Considering the fact that the shoes have been around for 20 years, the odds of finding them second hand are pretty high. 

With the rise of the classic '80s ballet flat, more modernized interpretations of the shoe have made waves. One such pair is the Puma version, a hybrid of the classic ballerina shoe mixed with athletic wearability called "sneakerinas." While these are obviously more modern than their older '80s sisters, the hybrid footwear is comfortable and gives it-girl energy. One lucky thrifter on Instagram found a black and white pair, and we're psyched for her — but also so jealous. 

It's a pretty good thrift haul if you source a pair of gold Coach ballet flats. One fortunate shopper on TikTok went home with the iconic pumps. These featured a canvas upper patterned with the quintessential Coach "C" logo, along with gold leather detailing and rubber soles. And since shoes are undeniably one of the clothing items worth buying used, Coach ballet flats are a score. They're stylish with a touch of retro nostalgia and, thanks to those rubber soles, will make serviceable walking shoes. 

Some people have the best thrift store luck. One happy shopper on TikTok shared her latest thrift store find, revealing a pair of pale pink satin ballet flats. The delicate shoes featured bows, as well as ankle straps, and they had a small block heel. The range of styles of ballet pumps make the iconic shoe so wearable. In this case, someone nabbed the cutest pair of cottagecore flats with delicate feminine embellishments. 

Perfect for spring, summer, and fall, one smart shopper on TikTok thrifted a pair of vintage J. Crew patchwork plaid ballet flats and shared her treasure online. The stylish shoes, made with a patchwork of woven cotton on the upper side, would work with an array of colors and outfits. From a seasonal dress to classic denim, these multi-colored gems prove that thrifting is one way to put together a stunning wardrobe. 

It's always a great thrift haul video if the shopper shows how they styled their find. On TikTok, Cynthia Franco showed off her thrifted Sandy Liang double strap ballet flats in ice blue satin. The gorgeous square toe shoes feature two silver clasps along the straps. Showing what someone can do with the pumps, Franco styled her thrifted flats with a peach minidress and some frilly white socks. Nothing could be cuter. 

If neutral tones are not your jam, don't be deterred. Thrifters are finding the most dopamine-rich ballet flats for every colorful outfit imaginable. One charmed shopper on TikTok shared her score of a pair of pink Lilly Pulitzer ballerina pumps with polkadot toes and a striped upper with delicate pink edging. Since the '80s were all about bold and bright prints, these pink cuties definitely hark back to that high-energy decade when lively colors ruled the day.